Our work with the Private Rented Sector
What is the Champions Network?
The Champions Network is the name for our work in Gwent with the Private Rented Sector. It is part of a wider project – Gwent BOOST – which brings together six organisations in a range of anti-homelessness measures delivered across South Wales over a seven-year period.
We work with tenants, landlords and other PRS stakeholders to identify key equality issues and promote good practice across the sector. We empower tenants to know their rights as well as their responsibilities, and support landlords and agents to feel more confident in letting to a diverse range of tenants.
The tenants and landlords who work with us to inform and guide our work are the Champions who give our project its name. Without them, our work wouldn’t be possible; we are very grateful for the time they volunteer to the project.
Together, we are building a fairer, more responsible Private Rented Sector.
Areas of work
Our Champions are the tenants, landlords and agents who work with us to inform and guide our work.
Champions bring a current understanding of the PRS, and of the perspectives, needs and desires of those living and working within it.
They co-produce the content for our Renters’ Rights workshops and our equality publications.
To enquire about becoming a project Champion, contact anna@taipawb.org.
Our main project activities are:
- Renters’ Rights workshop sessions for tenants. These run in schools and community spaces across Gwent.
- Educational films and guides for landlords and agents about key topics, such as anti-racism.
- Networking events such as landlord fora.
For the latest updates on our activities, head to our Facebook page!
Our equality publications aim to increase the confidence of tenants, landlords and letting agents to know their rights and responsibilities in private renting. We cover topics such as hoarding and mental health, anti-racism and accessibility.
All our publications are co-developed with our project Champions and must receive their final sign-off before going live.
You can view and download some of our existing publications below – they are free for anyone to use.
Our Publications – download here for free
Widening Access to the PRS – Infographic
Mental Health – Your Rights as a Tenant
Mental Health – Guide for Landlords and Agents
Mental Health – Guide for Tenants
Renters’ Rights Handbook – Newport
Data snapshot infographic – Renters’ Rights Sessions
All publications are available in Welsh or another language, in large print, Braille, Easy Read or any other Accessible format. Contact us on 07788 901919 or anna@taipawb.org to request for free.
Rental Health Cymru – a campaign about mental health in the Private Rented Sector.
Watch our film showing highlights from the campaign, and hear about the fantastic organisations we partnered with.
Case Studies – stories from the Private Rented Sector
Through our work in the PRS, we sadly see examples of discrimination, including racism, homophobia and classism all too often. However, we also see examples of best practice and great support from landlords or agents. Below are a selection of case studies describing the experiences of some of the people we have met.
Neurodiversity Best Practice – Shaun
Tenants who are learning English – Sarah
Blogs
FAQs
Yes. Although this project is funded for the Gwent areas (Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire), those living in other areas of Wales can still benefit from our work.
Much of the information in our materials is applicable to the whole of Wales. Where information is area-specific, this will be clear.
You can give as much or as little of your time to the project as you wish. Some Champions volunteer for as much as 4 hours per week delivering Renters’ Rights sessions; others offer ad-hoc support by providing feedback and ideas by email or phone.
If you’re interested, get in touch for a chat!
anna@taipawb.org.
Our Renters’ Rights sessions for tenants cover all key rights and responsibilities at every stage of renting. The session was developed with our landlord Champions and includes information about managing a tenancy and following an Occupation Contract.
Our chief goal is to enable tenants and landlords to know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to equality in private renting.
We want tenants to feel more confident in knowing, voicing and accessing their rights, and knowing where to go for support if they face discrimination or hate crime.
We want landlords to feel more confident in letting to a diverse range of tenants and understanding what equality best practice looks like.